An effective essay conclusion restates the thesis in new words, summarizes main points, and underlines the significance of the essay's argument. It should not introduce new facts or topics but may include a provocative final statement to leave a lasting impression.
An effective conclusion for an essay should serve as the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the reader. Rather than simply using phrases like "in conclusion", it is more important to restate the thesis in new words, summarize the main points discussed in the body of the essay, and provide an insight into the significance of the argument presented. The conclusion may also evoke a vivid image, propose potential results or consequences of the argument, or end with a thought-provoking statement.
Things that should generally be avoided in a conclusion include introducing entirely new ideas or facts that were not covered in the essay, as this can confuse the reader and detract from the sense of closure. The last statements should reinforce the main argument and clarify why the essay matters, encouraging the reader to think about the topic in a broader context or to see the subject in a new light. While it's not necessary to include the exact words "in conclusion," some writers find that such transitional phrases can help signal to the reader that the essay is coming to an end.